I love riding motorcycles and watching guys race them.
The world's best (Moto GP) are racing in Qatar this weekend.
I noticed this:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/motogp/moto/22957/

Is this guy famous or popular in Australia?

Winning a pole position in only his second race in the top class of Moto GP, and at 20 years old, is quite an accomplishment.

Just curious if folks down under recognize him and his accomplishment.

 

He is quite popular indeed - for those in the motorbike fraternity.
Motorcycling down under has always been reasonably popular thanks to the likes of Wayne Garner, Mick Doohan and the like.

I wouldn't say he is "famous" however - given the success Australia has had (a lot by the aformentioned people) he still has a lot to prove, but Stoner has a great deal of potential.

 

He ran very well. He is a very talented rider.
I believe he finished 5th.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

He did do very well, was the quickest of the riders when he had rear tires.

I take it you are MotoGP fan Brian?
Did you make it to Laguna Seca last year? Going this year?

The GP here is about 1 hours ride away, I usually head down - the Superbikes are in the same spot, and I go down for that too (was here about 1 month ago, good race too).

 

Yes, I did make it Laguna Seca last year. What a GREAT weekend!
I can't go this year but hope to try and make it next year.
Barber motorsport park is about 15 minutes from my house.
http://www.barbermotorsports.com
It is an AWESOME facility and I'll be there later this month to watch the AMA guys.
I only wish the Moto GP guys would come to Barber!

 

He had a spectacular crash in Italy, the weekend just gone, walked away luckily.